Growing e-com dominance masks gender digital divide: Nasscom Foundation

Nasscom Foundation noted that despite India’s dominance in the e-commerce market, many small and medium-sized sellers still lack the digital expertise needed to succeed in this space, making the scenario even more skewed for women.

Citing multiple industry reports, Nasscom Foundation CEO Jyoti Sharma said: “India’s e-commerce market is set to become the world’s second largest market by 2034, surpassing the US. But many small and medium-sized sellers still lack the digital expertise required to thrive in this space, limiting growth opportunities, a scenario that is more skewed for women.”

Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network have announced a special initiative to support women-led businesses in Karnataka in their foray into mainstream e-commerce, whereby around 200 women-led firms across 22 different districts of Karnataka have been brought onboard into the ONDC Network.

According to the foundation, the ONDC Network is expected to help bridge the digital divide by building capacity and empowering 200 women entrepreneurs to seamlessly enter and succeed in online markets.

“By leveraging technology and skills development, we have provided them with a level playing field and access to sustainable market linkages that will ultimately spur economic growth,” Ms. Sharma added.

“Through this collaboration with Nasscom Foundation, the ONDC Network provides the digital infrastructure that enables businesses to access broader markets and strengthen their business,” said Vibhor Jain, CEO and COO of ONDC.